Ben Stokes to play as specialist batter at start of IPL 2023

England Test captain Ben Stokes will be available only as a specialist batter for Chennai Super Kings in the early stages of the Indian Premier League 2023.

England Test captain Ben Stokes will be available only as a specialist batter for Chennai Super Kings in the early stages of the Indian Premier League 2023.

The star allrounder, who was picked by the four-time IPL champions for ₹16.25 crore during the auction held in December last year, arrived in India last week and has been training for the upcoming season starting March 31.

A report in ESPNCricinfo said, Stokes, who has played for Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in the past, will likely play as a specialist batter initially to manage his knee injury, for which he has taken a cortisone injection — an anti-inflammation medicine.

The 31-year-old has been hampered by recurring injuries to his left knee, with the most recent flare-up happening during England's tour of New Zealand. Stokes bowled only nine overs across two Tests and batted with a lot of discomfort on the final day of the second Test in Wellington.

Terming the injury "very frustrating", Stokes said he hoped to "get into a position that I feel like I don't have to worry about my knee anymore" with England set to host Australia for the Ashes this year in June.

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed Stokes might not bowl at the start of the IPL.

"My understanding is he's ready to go as a batsman from the start. The bowling might be wait and see. I know he had his first very light bowl yesterday (Sunday) since he had his injections in his knee," said Hussey.